Experiencing issues with your Mitsubishi Outlander Key Fob can be frustrating, especially when it suddenly stops working. Many Outlander owners encounter situations where their key fob becomes unresponsive, leaving them unable to remotely lock, unlock, or even start their vehicle. If you’re facing this problem, you might be relieved to know that in many cases, you can reprogram your key fob yourself. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough based on the manufacturer’s instructions to help you get your Mitsubishi Outlander key fob working again.
Before we dive into the programming process, it’s important to understand why your key fob might stop working. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a dead battery, which is always the first thing to check. However, if the battery is fine, or if you’ve recently replaced it and the fob still isn’t working, reprogramming might be necessary. This can happen for various reasons, including electronic interference or after battery replacements in some cases.
Here’s how to attempt to reprogram your Mitsubishi Outlander key fob, based on the instructions provided in user manuals for models around 2009:
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Gather Your Key Fobs: Ensure you have all the key fobs you intend to use with your vehicle, both the working ones and any new ones you wish to program.
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Initiate Programming Mode:
- Take a currently working (already registered) remote control transmitter.
- Press and hold the UNLOCK button for a duration between 4 to 10 seconds.
- While still holding the UNLOCK button, immediately press and hold the LOCK button as well.
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Signal Activation:
- Within 10 seconds of pressing the LOCK button, release both the LOCK and then the UNLOCK buttons in sequence. Releasing in sequence means to let go of the LOCK button first, immediately followed by releasing the UNLOCK button. The car should respond by locking and unlocking the doors – this is the answerback function confirming that the registration mode is now active and that all previous key fob IDs except the one you just used have been erased.
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Register the New Key Fob:
- Within 60 seconds of completing step 3, take the next key fob you want to program.
- Simultaneously press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons for 2 seconds.
- Release both buttons at the same time and wait for 1 second.
- Press the UNLOCK button once. The car should again use the answerback function (door lock/unlock) to confirm that the ID code for this key fob has been successfully registered.
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Register Additional Key Fobs (If Necessary): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat step 4 within 60 seconds of the last successful registration.
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Exit Programming Mode: If you don’t register any new key fobs within 60 seconds after step 4, the system will automatically exit the registration mode, and the car will return to normal operation.
It’s crucial to follow these steps precisely and within the specified timeframes for successful programming. The most commonly confusing part is step 3 regarding releasing the buttons “in sequence.” This simply means releasing the LOCK button a split second before the UNLOCK button, not simultaneously, nor in reverse order.
If you’ve followed these steps carefully and your Mitsubishi Outlander key fob still isn’t working, there could be a few potential issues:
- Battery Problems: Even if you’ve checked the battery, try replacing it with a brand new one to rule out any battery issues definitively.
- Incorrect Procedure: Timing is critical in this programming process. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again, carefully adhering to each step and timing.
- Key Fob Malfunction: The key fob itself might be faulty. If you have another key fob, check if it can be programmed. If none can be programmed, the issue might be with the car’s receiver system, requiring professional diagnosis.
Reprogramming your Mitsubishi Outlander key fob can often be done at home using these steps, potentially saving you a trip to the dealership. However, if you continue to experience problems, it’s always best to consult with a certified mechanic or your Mitsubishi dealer to ensure proper diagnosis and repair. They can provide expert assistance and ensure your vehicle’s security system is functioning correctly.
